GLP-1 for coronary heart illness
In March 2024, the FDA accredited the GLP-1 drug Wegovy (semaglutide) to deal with coronary heart illness in people who find themselves chubby or overweight. That is the primary approval of a GLP-1 drug for situations aside from diabetes or weight reduction.
Isaacs mentioned the approval got here after individuals in a number of GLP-1 trials skilled vital reductions in main coronary heart situations corresponding to coronary heart assaults and strokes, in addition to fewer cardiovascular deaths.
This may be anticipated provided that weight problems and extra weight are threat elements for coronary heart assault and stroke. Nonetheless, Isaacs factors out that different medicine (Trulicity, Victoza, Saxenda) and way of life interventions which have optimistic results on blood sugar ranges and weight haven’t proven such spectacular outcomes. “This reveals that there are mechanisms that go far past simply weight reduction and reducing blood sugar ranges,” she says.
Weight reduction within the SELECT trial was not significantly giant. On common, every participant misplaced about 8 to 9 p.c of their physique weight. “This leaves open the query whether or not there are different main results which can be but to be understood,” Ard says.
Isaacs mentioned the SELECT trial was the primary giant randomized research to indicate that medicine used for weight problems might cut back heart problems. “This has the potential to alter the paradigm of fascinated by chubby and weight problems as cardiovascular threat elements slightly than simply beauty issues, and we hope to broaden insurance coverage protection and entry to those weight reduction medicine,” she says.
